Donald John “Donny P” Peter

Born in Toronto, Ontario, on November 12th, 1940, to Olive and Walter Peter. At a young age, Don was the man of the house, after his father passed away at the young age of 46. Don was the oldest brother of Ken Peter (Marion) and Gary Peter. It wasn’t long before he relocated and set up roots in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His early years were filled with life experiences including working for CN Rail, where both parents made their careers, and also being involved in music in his teenage years; Don Peter and the Shadows were inducted into the Manitoba Music Museum. Don married his high school sweetheart Margaret “Penny” Ruth Peter. They had two children, Lisa Peter Ross (Steve Ross) and John Peter (Kim Peter); and two grandchildren, Jadyn Peter and Jaxon Peter.

Don was a reservist in the military and held the rank of Lieutenant. He worked for Trans Canada Credit for many years and was relocated to several cities including Brandon, Vancouver, Oakville, and Thunder Bay, all in a very short period of time. London was the final stop in 1974, settling into a quiet little village called Byron, which would forever be known as home from that point forward. After Trans Canada credit, Don found a job that not only suited his personality, but his love of music as well. CJBK and BX93 Radio was his new world and he loved every minute of it. He made great friends and was able to bring his ideas to life, all the while travelling campground to campground throughout Ontario and Canada with his family – a love of camping that both he and Penny shared. Anyone lucky enough to be at a wedding or celebration with Don and Penny would have witnessed their amazing dancing that would quickly clear a dance floor with everyone in a circle to watch.

Kids grown, and having moved on from the radio biz he re-invented himself (after 50!), alongside Penny, they opened a brand new Co-operators insurance office at the corner of Springbank and Commissioners, back in good ol’ Byron. They commuted from Port Franks, where they lived after deciding they needed a change of scenery. With Oscar the dog at his feet, Penny as his partner, they grew the business. With the unfortunate loss of Penny at the young age of 64, he was having to reinvent himself again. He found fun in travelling and camping once more, especially in Florida, where he met amazing people…and they met him. A new group to hear all the stories, and hear him sing on occasion, which he loved to do if asked…or sometimes when he wasn’t asked. Don will be greatly missed and loved by his entire immediate and extended family here in Ontario, Western Canada and Florida.

A family gathering will take place at later date, and a plaque will be erected in the near future on the Springbank Park memorial wall, in memory of both Don and Penny. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Don are asked to consider the Humane Society London & Middlesex.